Early in the season, when Marco Belinelli admittedly struggled to grasp Tom Thibodeau's defensive concepts and demands, the veteran guard followed a shining example out of the doghouse and into playing time.

"I think Kirk (Hinrich) and Jo (Noah) are our best defense, so I try to look at Kirk, especially, because he's a guard," Belinelli said. "It's unbelievable. He can guard (multiple positions) and he's tough and strong. So I try to be the same. It's not easy for me, but I try to do my best."

That's all Hinrich says he's doing to try to guard Deron Williams, which he did to far greater effectiveness in Game 2 than Game 1. Williams' Game 3 featured 18 points and four assists. But regardless of Williams' numbers, Thibodeau said Hinrich's defensive presence serves a purpose.

"This league is a killer league in terms of the pick-and-rolls. There are going to be 50 to 60 maybe even 70," Thibodeau said. "Often you get the first one OK and then there's a second and third coming. You have to be able to go from one thing to the next to the next and be able to do it over and over again.

"That's where his veteran leadership is so important to us. He's steady, plays hard on every play, doesn't take any plays off, runs the team. Everyone is in rhythm. He has had a great season for us."

"His defense and rebounding are critical for us," Thibodeau said. "We love his activity and his ability to get to the board and to a second shot and to post up. He helps us a lot offensively."

For the second straight game, Richard Hamilton didn't play.

Layups: The double-doubles of Luol Deng, Carlos Boozer and Noah in Game 2 marked the first time since May 10, 2007 — a span of 39 playoff games — three Bulls had done that in a regulation game. In Game 3 of the Eastern Conference semifinals against the Pistons, Deng, Hinrich and P.J. Brown did the trick. … Derrick Rose sat on the bench in street clothes for the first time this season at home. "He's a great leader," Thibodeau said. "His role right now is to support his teammates. And that's what he's doing." … Vladimir Radmanovic, over his bad back, was activated. Malcolm Thomas joined Rose as inactive.